On September 17, the Panamanian Hotel Association (APATEL) will hold its highly anticipated annual forum, a space for meeting and reflection that will bring together key players in the national and international tourism sector. This event is shaping up to be an essential platform for discussing current and future challenges in the sector, as well as offering innovative proposals that will drive Panama’s tourism development as a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive destination.
Strategic Objectives to Generate Innovation
The forum will focus on strategic objectives that seek to generate an in-depth analysis of trends and innovation in tourism, identify emerging challenges, provide tools to consolidate tourism as the country’s economic engine, and foster public-private partnerships that strengthen the industry. With a broad thematic focus, key issues will be addressed, such as cultural and heritage tourism, infrastructure development, global trends, technological innovation, sustainability, the importance of statistics, and the role of gastronomy as a tourist attraction.
Technology as a Key Element of Tourism Development
Among the highlighted topics, innovation and technology in tourism will be central to this forum. Tools such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and mobile applications will be explored, that are transforming the visitor experience and optimizing tourism management. In this field, experts such as Juan Carlos Garcia Villalaz, an artificial intelligence consultant, will provide insights into technology as a catalyst for change in the industry.
Lineup of International Speakers
The event will feature a distinguished lineup of international speakers. Jacqueline Mora, current Technical Vice Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, will share her experience leading her country’s tourism recovery and highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a tourist attraction. Juliana Cardona, who will assume the leadership of the Greater Medellin Bureau in October, will address the challenges of tourism infrastructure from a strategic perspective for the city.
Likewise, Patricia Boo, STR’s regional director, will bring a global perspective on the trends shaping tourism in Latin America, while Nicaraguan expert Roberto Emilio Baca will contribute his extensive experience in sustainable tourism. Diego Fernandez, with a background in data-driven public policies, will highlight the role of statistics as a fundamental tool for the sector’s development and competitiveness.
Gastronomic tourism will be addressed by Jorge Chanis and renowned Chef Charlie Collins, two leading figures in Panamanian cuisine who promote the country through flavors and stories that connect with the national identity.
The APATEL 2025 Forum will undoubtedly be an enriching space that will thoroughly analyze the opportunities for Panamanian tourism, which seeks to be more innovative, inclusive, and competitive.
For information and registration:
E-Mail: secretaria@apatelpanama.com
dejecutiva@apatelpanama.com
Phone: 226-8410/ 398-4512
Cell.:6673-8354
Photos courtesy: APATEL